Once you pick a major, choose classes that will give you knowledge and experience you can use in your career path. If you’re interested in more disciplines beyond your major, you can always try them through extracurricular activities and elective classes. Explore the many opportunities you have right at your fingertips!
Not everyone goes to college for the same reason. Be honest about your goal: you could be trying to earn a higher degree, get a job in a particular industry, master a skill, achieve independence, or something else. If you’re worried about losing track of your goals, share them with your college support system. Your friends can remind you about your goals in moments of need.
Write everything in your planner as soon as you know about it, so you won’t forget later. Try an electronic planner like Google Calendars. You can create notifications and color coordinate by category (athletics, homework, social events, and more). Organize all your papers and books to keep up with your busy schedule. Sort everything by class; keep a neat binder or folder for each, and put assignments into their appropriate spot, so you don’t lose them.
Visual learners learn best when they get information from pictures. Sit near the front of the class, draw charts, diagrams, and symbols in your notes, and visualize things you hear or read. Auditory learners absorb the most information when it’s presented vocally. Listen to lectures carefully, and read everything (books, directions, assignments, and study materials) aloud. Kinesthetic learning means you retain more information if you participate actively in the lesson, like doing science experiments, drawing, or acting out scenes from a book. A reading and writing style of learning means you learn best when you have written materials to look at. Study with your textbooks and write out notes by hand in class.
Utilize your professor’s office hours too. Get help on assignments and ask for advice from your professor. It will give them a better sense of who you are, which is helpful if you ask them for a letter of recommendation in the future.
Instructors won’t get upset if you ask questions. Their job is to help you learn, and asking questions shows that you’re paying attention. You’re also more likely to remember the material when you ask questions that help you better understand it. Listen to other classmates’ questions (and the professor’s answers). Most answers will probably contain helpful information, including information you might not find in your textbook.
Try to take notes with a pen and paper when possible—studies show you remember information better when you write it out by hand. Lots of instructors make presentations for class, so check and see if those slides are available online. If they are, print them out and supplement them with your own notes rather than trying to copy out all the slide information. If you struggle to focus in class, ask your professor if you can record their lectures. You can review your recordings when it comes time to study for your exams.
If you need extra motivation, try studying with a friend or group. Use your spare time wisely! If you have an hour or two between classes, use the time to study. Breaking up your studying will make it easier than cramming all at once, and you’re more likely to remember the material. If you have nowhere to study but a shared space, at least block out distractions. Wear noise-canceling headphones or listen to “white noise” or relaxing, lyric-free music. [9] X Research source Remember: college is more difficult even if you didn’t have to study in high school. Studying will help keep your grades up and prevent you from falling behind in class!
Most schools have tutoring or academic support center. Use these resources if you’re having trouble with a class. They’re usually free, and the tutors won’t judge or look down on you. Schools also usually have a career services center. These centers can help you buff up a resume, practice interviewing skills, find employment or volunteering opportunities, and plan for your future career. Don’t forget the library! Librarians do more than just shelving books all day. They know how to identify valuable, credible research sources that you can use for your projects and academic papers. If you’re hesitant to ask for help, remember that it’s not a sign of weakness or a reason to feel embarrassed. It takes strength and courage to admit you’re having trouble, and it won’t feel overwhelming once you talk to someone.
Look for at least one instructor or faculty member you admire and ask them to serve as a mentor. For example, a favorite professor might be willing to give you extra guidance as you create a portfolio of work for future job searches.
If you meet just one person, ask them to introduce you to friends they think you might get along with. You’ll build your networks really quickly. Religious organizations, clubs, interest societies, sports teams, and academic groups offer opportunities to get to know like-minded people. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, especially if you’re a new freshman—but don’t let that feeling keep you from making friends. Remember: you probably aren’t the only person who’s a little nervous.
Remember that it’s okay to make mistakes—everybody does. You’ll make some mistakes, even some big ones, but none of that means you’re a failure. You can learn from mistakes and grow as a person. Improvement is good, but avoid being a perfectionist. Of course, you should do your best with every assignment, but striving for perfection can hold you back from success. Nobody is perfect!
To get a good night’s sleep, avoid all-nighters by planning in advance. Go to sleep and get up at the same times each day and avoid alcohol, caffeine, or nicotine within 4 hours of bedtime. Make sure you get exercise too. Even if you’re not athletic, walking around the block (or campus) each day can get your blood pumping. Exercise can help with positivity and relieve some of your stress!
